Free Will VS Determinism

    Cards (7)

    • (AO1) What is the debate about?
      The debate discusses whether our behaviour is caused exclusively by external factors (i.e. determinism) or an individual chooses to behave in a particular way (i.e. has free will)
    • (AO1) Definitions
      Determinism = the general idea that traits and behaviours are outside of our control, due to factors either internal/external over which we have no control

      Free will = the idea that people can make decisions free from determining factors, in which their choices are their own.
    • (AO1) Give x3 examples of determinism
      Ex 1: Biological - The idea that traits/behaviour are governed by internal biological factors like genes, neurochemistry, brain structure and function. Biology is destiny. E.g. Dabbs.

      Ex 2: Environmental - The idea that traits/behaviours are governed by external forces such as experiences, upbringing, learning, schools, parents, peers. E.g. responding to stimulus, being triggered by environmental stimuli as if you were an animal.

      Ex 3: Psychic - The idea that traits/behaviours are governed by unconscious instincts & drives, in which the caused of the behaviour is rooted in childhood experiences. E.g. relationship w/ mom in childhood.
    • (AO1) Define hard & soft determinism
      Ex 4: Hard - traits/behaviours are entirely out of the individual's control. Has significant consequences for how we function as a society.

      Ex 5: Soft - traits/behaviours determined by external or internal forces, but an individual can still exercise some control e.g. vis thought processes.
    • (AO3) Strength - biological determinism - supported by dabbs
      Point: Biological determinism well supported.

      Evidence: dabbs et al = provided evidence for role of hormones in behaviour. Found high testosterone levels in men convicted of domestic violence. High testosterone may resulted from prison environment and violence.

      Evaluate: Therefore, endocrine system may not fully explain their behaviour. The men’s free choice influenced their decision to commit the crime separately from their hormone levels.
    • (AO3) Limitation - deterministic approach - personal responsibility + case study
      Point: Deterministic approach takes away personal responsibility from the individual for their behaviour.

      Evidence: E.g. If behaviour determined by outside forces, provides potential excuse for criminal acts. Case study = in 1981, Stephen Mobely argued he was ‘born to kill’ after killing pizza shop manager, because family had disposition towards violence and aggressive behaviour. An US court rejected this argument.

      Evaluate: However, we need an emphasis for free will if society is to function affectively.
    • (AO1) Strength - Debate link to SZ
      Point: The debate is relevant when explaining SZ.

      Evidence: Deterministic explanation like genetics (high concordance) and neural factors (ventricle size, dopamine) suggests SZ behaviour biologically determined. This influences treatment, such as anti-psychotics.

      Evaluate: Deterministic views support effective treatment. However, they may ignore the role of social contexts - limiting, not complete understanding of the disorder.
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